How to Banish Musty Odours from Your Rental Property

Do you frequently notice a damp, earthy and stale smell in your rental property? Musty odours are a common nuisance in a poorly ventilated and dirty home. It usually lingers due to high humidity levels, damp areas, trapped smells and overlooked mould infestation on walls, carpets and other dark spots. No matter how precisely you dust your space, persistent stench can make your indoor environment unwelcoming and unhygienic. You may even lose your deposited security if you are at the end of your tenancy in Western Australia.

Luckily, there are effective ways to freshen up your living space using only natural methods. It is imperative to identify the source of smell, fix it within your estimated budget and treat stuffy air like a pro to impress your fussy landlord. Below are some quick and easy strategies to eliminate musty odours from every nook and cranny of your rental property. Instead of using store bought room fresheners, consider DIY recipes that are phthalate free and safe for indoor air quality.

Let’s Get Started!

1.Identifying the Source of Musty Smell

When preparing your rental property for the inspection, ensure that you first identify the common causes of lingering odours. Some of the triggering points are:

• Moisture buildup: Bathrooms and basements experience the most musty smell due to humid environments.
• Poor Ventilation: Lack of cross ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens may cause unpleasant odour, causing indoor air pollution.
• Damp Carpets: Dirty and damp delicate floor coverings can produce an unpleasant smell, especially in enclosed spaces.
• Mould and Mildew Stains: Unattended mould spores in hidden areas can also linger musty smell. It can even trigger pre existing allergies and asthma symptoms if not treated correctly.

You always have the option to hire seasoned vacate cleaning Perth experts to pass your rental inspection. They'll identify the source of the smell and banish stale smell in no time.

2.Improve Indoor Airflow: Open Windows and Doors

The air circulating within your home often drifts pungent odour due to poor ventilation. To banish the smell, keep your windows and doors open for a few minutes daily to boost airflow. To boost the effect, place table fans near your windows to efficiently remove stale air from your home. Make sure your windows and blinds are dust free and shiny. Regular dusting and vacuuming can help prevent the buildup of dust and grime.

3.Install a Dehumidifier to Control Moisture

No wonder excess moisture buildup can lead to unpleasant odours in the property. First things first! Check for leaky taps, damp carpets and clogged drains. To control stale stench, install a dehumidifier to keep the indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 per cent. This can also cause pink mould and mildew infestations. Use it in your bathroom and basement without giving it a second thought.

Tip: Use activated charcoal to reduce moisture from the air. This will keep air dry for longer.

4.Fight Mould Growth Naturally

Make sure to check dark and damp areas in your home for mould infestation if the musty odour persists. This includes bathrooms, kitchens, basements, behind furniture, carpets, etc. If you want to treat mould spores naturally, vacate cleaning Perth professionals recommend 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil. Spray the solution on mouldy area and leave it for a few minutes to kill mould cells. Gently scrub the area with a toothbrush or sponge, and rinse with plain water to remove peroxide residue. Do not forget to dry the area to prevent further growth.

5.Deep Clean Carpets, Upholstered Furniture and Fabrics

Food spills, splatters and pet messes can penetrate deep inside the fabrics of carpets and couches, contributing to a musty smell. Ensure you act on spills proactively using a paper towel. Also, wash curtains and couch covers regularly in hot water. For carpets and rugs, steam cleaning is one of the most effective methods. It doesn't require strong chemicals or abrasive tools. The steam works wonders by breaking down messes without causing discolouration or any potential damage to the fabrics. When cleaning upholstery furniture, read the care labels and use eco friendly products to tackle stains and bad smell.

6.Use Baking Soda to Neutralise Bad Smell

Baking soda is more than a standard eco friendly cleaner. Unlike store bought deodorisers, it won’t mask the bad odours. Instead, it removes the stench by controlling the pH levels. Sprinkle it on your carpets, sink drains, tiles, grouts, etc and leave it for an hour before vacuuming or flushing out the drain.

Tip: You can also make DIY air fresheners with baking soda to create an inviting home environment.

7.Pay Attention to Air Vents and Filters

This is one of the most overlooked yet crucial steps to promote fresh smelling and breathable indoor air quality. Dirt laden HVAC systems only circulate airborne particles, leading to stuffy air. It can even trigger your allergies. Therefore, it is better to establish a proper routine, including vacuuming and washing your air vents with natural products. Replacing filters every 2 months can also be beneficial.

8.Use Natural Deodorisers to Freshen Up Your Space

Ditch your traditional room fresheners, which contain toxic chemicals and synthetic fragrances, and bring natural scents into your home. Make the most of essential oil diffusers by adding lavender, rosemary, orange, eucalyptus and other fantastic oils. Stovetop Potpourri is another great method, as you can boil dried flowers, herbs and oils in water to release a fresh and aromatic smell naturally. Do this before your landlord arrives for the final inspection to ensure you pass your rental bond.

Tips to Eliminate Musty Smells in Your Rental Home

Wrapping Up

Eliminating musty smells doesn’t have to be challenging anymore. With this simple guide, you can easily identify the potential cause and freshen up your rental property using natural and affordable techniques. Baking soda, essential oils, installing dehumidifiers, boosting indoor air quality, etc, can help create a clean and fresh smelling environment that deserves appreciation from your landlord.